Kellen Moore hints at Jahan Dotson's role for the Eagles in Week 1

But why? Is it because Dotson had barely landed in Philadelphia and didn't know the playbook well enough to actually take the field? Or, with his spot on the roster officially secured, did Philly opt to instead keep him off the field as a precaution, as why risk an injury over a meaningless matchup with Minnesota?

Well, while the actual reason for his absence is surely a little bit of both, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore expects big things from the Penn State product right out the gate, as he already has a role in mind for his new WR3 in Week 1.

“He’s done a tremendous job. I can’t say enough positive things about him, [Wide Receivers Coach Aaron Morehead] A-Mo working with him throughout the last however many — whatever it’s been, a week, 10 days. He’s done a tremendous job of hopping in there and embracing this thing,” Moore told reporters on Monday.

“Even today and the next couple days have impact on that, just the capacity that guys can play within. He’s done a tremendous job. We feel very confident with him, very comfortable with him. He’s handled it really, really well.”

You know, it's really hard to argue with Moore's rationale – and his unwillingness to commit too much one way or another – because how much Dotson plays in Week 1 really will depend on a number of factors that the Eagles won't know until the live bullets start to fly. Assuming Dotson starts, which feels incredibly possible, he will likely get a chance to showcase his abilities early on, and if he is running the correct routes, getting open, and making player whenever Jalen Hurts gets him the ball, it's safe to assume he will earn even more looks as the game goes on.

If, however, he struggles, that's okay too, as Britain Covey and Johnny Wilson can both pick up the load and allow Moore to pick his shots for Dotson more effectively, as he can still be an impact player even in limited action early on.

Kellen Moore has been a fan of new Eagles WR Jahan Dotson for years

Elsewhere in his Monday media availability, Moore was asked for his initial opinion of Dotson, as he hadn't talked to reporters in the time since the deal became official.

While Moore wasn't a member of the Eagles at the time, instead serving as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, he saw the talent Dotson displayed during his time at Penn State while helping to evaluate talent ahead of the draft, and is excited about coaching him up in Philadelphia.

“Yeah, I think everyone who went through the draft process saw the great talent that he was, and we were really excited about that opportunity. He’ll be a great piece to our offensive process. Excited to let him build that role as we go,” Moore told reporters. “Obviously, when you come in during the season, I think you let him just keep growing and keep growing and we’ll keep finding where that role presents itself, but he’ll be certainly a nice aspect of this thing, and he’ll be heavily involved.”